Juicy Cheesy Zucchini Steaks Recipe: A Garden Fresh Delight

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in these mouthwatering zucchini steaks that blend creamy cheese and garden-fresh zucchini in an irresistible tender cheesy zucchini steaks recipe.

Thick slices of zucchini transform into a delectable main course with golden, crispy edges.

The combination of melted cheese and perfectly grilled vegetables creates a stunning dish that surprises even veggie skeptics.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of textures and rich, savory notes.

These steaks work beautifully as a light lunch or a spectacular side dish for any meal.

Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will fall in love with this simple yet elegant recipe that celebrates seasonal produce.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few ingredients can create such a spectacular culinary experience.

Why These Cheesy Zucchini Steaks Are a Must-Try

• The crosshatch scoring technique allows zucchini to soak up garlic and red pepper flakes, creating a burst of delicious taste in every bite.
• This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a tasty vegetable side dish.
• Cheesy zucchini steaks work wonderfully as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer that appeals to vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike, easily impressing guests with minimal effort.
• By transforming a humble vegetable into a delectable, cheesy creation, this recipe offers a nutritious alternative to traditional heavy side dishes while still delivering maximum satisfaction.

Everything You Need for Cheesy Zucchini Goodness

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that serves as the primary base for the steaks with a mild, tender texture.
• Mozzarella: Soft cheese that provides a creamy, melty topping for the zucchini steaks.
• Parmesan: Hard cheese that adds a sharp, salty flavor to complement the zucchini.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that create a warm, spicy undertone to the dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that helps draw out moisture and intensify the overall flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the cheesy zucchini steaks.

• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking oil used for searing and adding richness to the zucchini steaks.

Steps to Make Tender Zucchini Steaks at Home

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Planks

Slice zucchini lengthwise into four equal planks.

Use a sharp knife to create a delicate crosshatch pattern on the flesh surface.

Generously sprinkle salt over the zucchini and let them rest for 15 minutes.

This technique helps remove excess moisture and ensures a perfect texture.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Infusion

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Cook until the mixture becomes fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.

Transfer the aromatic blend to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Sear Zucchini Surfaces

Gently pat zucchini dry with paper towels.

Add another splash of olive oil to the skillet.

Place zucchini planks flesh-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown color develops.

Transfer seared zucchini to a baking sheet.

Step 4: Enhance with Flavor

Brush the seared zucchini with the prepared garlic-infused oil, ensuring the mixture penetrates the crosshatch grooves.

Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 8-10 minutes until the zucchini becomes tender but maintains its structural integrity.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Watch carefully as the cheese melts and transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer zucchini steaks to a serving platter.

Adorn with fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation.

Tips for a Cheesy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Finish

• Pat zucchini thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess water, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior without sogginess.
• Create crosshatch patterns on zucchini flesh to help marinades and seasonings penetrate deeply, enhancing overall taste.
• Use medium heat when searing to prevent burning garlic and achieve perfect golden-brown color without charring.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly, allowing cheese to melt and create a beautiful golden crust under the broiler.
• Top with fresh basil just before serving to add bright, aromatic freshness that complements the rich, cheesy zucchini steaks.

How to Keep Zucchini Steaks Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover zucchini steaks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty.
• Wrap individual zucchini steaks in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place zucchini steaks on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place zucchini steaks on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

What to Serve With Cheesy Zucchini Steaks

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the zucchini's delicate flavor and cuts through the rich, melted cheese.
• Serve with Grilled Protein: Herb-marinated chicken or light fish like tilapia creates a balanced, light summer meal that highlights the zucchini's tender texture.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Prepare a lemony arugula salad with shaved Parmesan to echo the cheesy notes and provide a bright, peppery contrast to the warm zucchini steaks.
• Add Rustic Bread: Serve with toasted sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the garlic-infused olive oil and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soft zucchini.

Tasty Ways to Switch Up This Zucchini Recipe

• Low-Carb Zucchini Steaks: Replace Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free nutritional yeast or almond cheese for a keto-friendly version that maintains rich flavor while reducing carbohydrates.
• Vegan Herbed Zucchini Steaks: Substitute cheese with cashew cream or nutritional yeast, adding extra herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance the umami profile and create a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean-Style Zucchini Steaks: Swap red pepper flakes with za'atar seasoning, top with crumbled feta cheese, and finish with chopped fresh mint for a Greek-inspired interpretation of the original recipe.
• Grilled Outdoor Zucchini Steaks: Transfer the entire cooking process to an outdoor grill, using high heat and maintaining the same scoring technique to create smoky, charred zucchini steaks with a rustic barbecue essence.

FAQs

• How do I choose the best zucchini for this recipe?

Look for firm, medium-sized zucchini with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid zucchini that feels soft or has bruises. Smaller to medium zucchini tend to be more tender and have fewer seeds.

• Can I make this recipe without a skillet?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or a regular baking sheet. The key is to get a good sear on the zucchini before baking to develop flavor and create a nice golden color.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This zucchini steak recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure the cheeses you use are vegetarian, as some Parmesan cheeses contain animal rennet.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or serving the zucchini steaks alongside a quick quinoa or white bean salad to boost the protein content.

Tender Cheesy Zucchini Steaks Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Cheesy Zucchini Steaks deliver Mediterranean flair with crisp edges and melted cheese. Herb-infused vegetable slices promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 ounces (56 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn

Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Halve zucchini lengthwise, creating four substantial “steaks”. Delicately score flesh using a sharp knife in crosshatch pattern to enhance flavor absorption. Dust with salt and allow to rest 15 minutes, drawing out excess moisture and preventing soggy texture.
2. Warm olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Introduce garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until aromatic (1-2 minutes). Quickly transfer fragrant mixture to separate bowl to prevent burning.
3. Thoroughly blot zucchini with paper towel to remove moisture. Reheat skillet with additional olive oil, placing zucchini flesh-side down. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until achieving golden-brown coloration. Transfer initial batch to baking sheet and repeat process.
4. Generously coat seared zucchini with prepared garlic oil, ensuring penetration into scored grooves. Roast in preheated 425°F oven for 8-10 minutes, maintaining structural integrity while achieving tenderness.
5. Liberally distribute mozzarella and Parmesan across zucchini surfaces. Position under broiler for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely as cheese melts and caramelizes to golden perfection.
6. Plate zucchini steaks, garnishing with fresh basil and optional red pepper flakes for additional zest.

Notes

• Salt zucchini beforehand to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy texture and ensuring crisp, caramelized edges during cooking.
• Score the flesh with a crosshatch pattern to maximize flavor absorption and create appealing presentation with enhanced seasoning penetration.
• Use high-heat cooking methods like searing and broiling to develop rich, deep flavors and achieve golden-brown caramelization on zucchini surface.
• Customize cheese options by substituting mozzarella with goat cheese or adding nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly alternative that maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg